"Taking care of a baby in the first months of life can be a real challenge, as the mother goes through physical and emotional changes resulting from hormonal fluctuations after giving birth. There may be feelings of duality, doubts about how to take care of a baby and changes in family dynamics," began by explaining Ana Paula Duarte, LMC's coordinating nurse.
Among the topics covered in the class are baby hygiene care, prevention of diaper rash and other common skin conditions, recognition of signs of illness and safety in transporting newborns.
According to Ana Paula Duarte, the main hygiene precautions to be taken with newborns include frequent diaper changes, using alcohol-free wet wipes, moisturizing the skin with a cream or oil of natural origin, and daily immersion baths with warm water and products suitable for babies. The first bath should be given between the first and second day of life.
"Frequent diaper changes and moisturizing the perineal region can prevent diaper rash and other common skin conditions. Breast milk is also recommended in cases of erythema, due to its calming and healing properties. After bathing, the baby's folds should be properly dried to prevent skin lesions caused by moisture," explains the nurse.
Mothers should seek medical help in situations where the baby has a fever (above 37.5°C) or hypothermia (below 35°C), and in cases of moaning, inconsolable crying, shortness of breath, noisy breathing, projectile vomiting or diarrhea, according to Ana Paula Duarte.
"At home, the baby can be carried in a baby's arms, in a cloth sling, to benefit from skin-to-skin contact. Outdoor walks can be done in a baby stroller and/or in a baby's arms, using a cloth sling. In the car, the baby should always be carried in a baby carrier and placed in the back seat, facing the opposite direction of traffic," advised the LMC coordinating nurse.
The class was promoted as part of the program of 11 masterclasses being promoted by the LMC, with the purpose of informing, clarifying and preparing future mothers for the different moments of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Luanda Medical Center was founded in February 2015 and is now a reference in private healthcare in Angola. Among the various services at Luanda Medical Center, the most notable is the new maternity ward, which offers four rooms with seven beds, a delivery room and a nursery to accommodate pregnant women, ensuring a controlled journey from the beginning to the end of the pregnancy.
